Highlights – Why Visit the Ancient Monoliths
Ancient Structures
Discover towering menhirs and dolmens set in scenic landscapes.
Ancestral Worship
Learn about ancestral worship and tribal traditions.
Nartiang Visit
Visit Nartiang Monoliths, the largest collection in Northeast India.
Living Heritage
Experience living heritage, still tied to festivals and rituals.
The Nartiang Monoliths – A Living Museum
The Nartiang Monoliths, located about 65 km from Shillong, are the most famous megalithic site in Meghalaya. Spread across a wide area, these stones include menhirs (standing stones) and dolmens (flat stones placed on supports), some towering over 20 feet.
Local tradition holds that they were erected by Jaintia kings and clans as memorials and markers. The site is not just archaeological—it continues to hold spiritual significance, with festivals and rituals often linked to it.
Symbolism & Cultural Significance
For the Jaintia tribe, monoliths are more than stone—they are sacred markers of history. Each monolith represents ancestral remembrance, tribal unity, or significant events. Many are tied to animistic practices, where stones serve as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds.
The tradition also reinforces communal identity, as clans come together to erect these monuments during collective ceremonies.
Beyond Nartiang – Exploring Other Sites
While Nartiang is the most renowned, smaller clusters of monoliths can be found throughout the West Jaintia Hills. These lesser-known sites are often located in village landscapes, standing silently under ancient trees.
Travelers can combine visits to monoliths with trips to nearby waterfalls, sacred groves, and cultural hubs, making for a rich and immersive itinerary.
Festivals & Ritual Practices Around Monoliths
Many tribal festivals in the Jaintia Hills are linked to these monolithic sites. The Behdienkhlam Festival, for instance, includes rituals of ancestral worship, which often take place near or around monolith clusters.
This living tradition ensures that monoliths are not just relics of the past but part of ongoing community practices.
FAQ – Ancient Monoliths in Jaintia Hills
Q1. What are monoliths in Meghalaya?
They are large standing stones erected by tribes, often as memorials, ancestral markers, or symbols of community unity.
Q2. Where is the most famous site of monoliths?
The Nartiang Monoliths in West Jaintia Hills is the largest collection in Northeast India.
Q3. Are these monoliths archaeological or still in use?
They are both—historic monuments and living cultural spaces still tied to rituals and festivals.
Q4. What is the best way to explore them?
Visiting with a local guide enhances understanding of the monoliths’ history, myths, and cultural importance.
Connect with History in Jaintia Hills!
Step into the world of ancestral memory and witness the powerful, silent storytellers of Meghalaya's heritage.
Discover Cultural Itineraries